The Los Angeles Lakers will have a lot of decisions to make on a number of players this off-season, but one player who has endeared himself to the team and fans is big man Ed Davis. Davis has already said he will opt-out of his contract in hopes of signing a long-term deal, but would like to remain with the Lakers.
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Davis put in a lot of work over the before the season and in an interview with SLAM Magazine, spoke about working out with Kobe Bryant and witnessing his work ethic up close:
You hear the stories, but to see it up close with how hard he works out being 19 years in., getting in early. This is late July, early August with how hard he’s going and putting his body through these tough workouts. He was beating me up and down the floor in sprints. I’m in my fifth year and he’s in his 19th. His mentality and drive is something that really woke me up.”
Davis also revealed what part of his game he plans to work on in the off-season:
My jumpshot […] I still want my game to be the same, but just adding that to give me other options. I want to be able to pick and pop and knock down that 15-17 footer on a consistent basis.”
Adding a mid-range jumper would be crucial to Davis’ game. He is an excellent finisher at the rim, but is not a weapon from outside of five feet. The ability to be an option in the pick-and-pop would take him to the next level.
Developing that jumper could also help Davis improve his poor free throw shooting. Hopefully he doesn’t fall too much in love with it, similar to Jordan Hill this season, but it’s good to see Davis trying to expand his game.
[divide]Byron Scott On Jeremy Lin, Ed Davis, Jordan Clarkson
